Kay Hagan, a former bank executive from North Carolina who served one term in the US Senate, died Monday of encephalitis, or brain inflammation, which was caused by the Powassan virus. She was 66.
Hagan had been diagnosed in 2016 with the rare tick-borne virus and the inflammation made it difficult for her to speak and walk, said her former Senate spokeswoman, Sadie Weiner, who now works for Gov. Roy Cooper.
“We are heartbroken to share that Kay left us unexpectedly this morning,” her family said in a statement. “We are deeply grateful for the support shared with our family as Kay worked to regain her strength these last few years after her illness, and we appreciate your continued prayers.
“Kay meant everything to us, and we were honored to share her with the people of North Carolina whom she cared for and fought for so passionately as an elected official. Most of all, we already miss her humor and spirit as the hub of our family, a role she loved more than anything. Nobody could light up a room and make people feel welcome like Kay.”
The Democrat served a single term in the Senate when she beat Republican Elizabeth Dole in 2008. She lost her 2014 re-election bid to Republican North Carolina House Speaker Thom Tillis.
Tillis, who is seeking re-election next year, said in a statement that Hagan had a “dedicated and distinguished record of public service to our state and nation.”
Hagan was born in Shelby, North Carolina, on May 26, 1953. She earned her undergraduate degree from Florida State University in 1975, then earned a law degree from Wake Forest University in 1978.
For 10 years, she worked for NationsBank, which was to become Bank of America, where she became a vice president in the estates and trust division.
After being a stay-at-home mom, the niece of former Florida governor and US Sen. Lawton Chiles launched her political career and won a seat as a Democrat in the North Carolina Senate in 1998.
Although she was initially reluctant to lend her support, Hagan backed the Affordable Care Act pushed by President Barack Obama.
She also worked to limit payday lending, continuing the work she began as a state senator.
“Kay was a fierce advocate for North Carolina, and she represented our state with courage and grace her entire career. She made it a mission to inspire young people — especially young girls — to enter public service, and she served as a role model to so many,” Cooper said.
Hagan is survived by her husband, Chip, and three children, Jeanette Hagan, Tilden Hagan and Carrie Hagan Stewart.
With Post wires